UGA Extension agents, staff and trained volunteers keep local communities informed through county Extension offices. We offer reliable information and programs in the areas of agriculture, food, families, the environment, and 4-H youth development. Let us help you learn, grow, and do more!

Diagnostic Services*

Soil Testing1

Determining the fertility level of a soil through a soil test is the first step in planning a sound lime and fertilizer program. Most Georgia soils are low in pH and/or one of the essential plant nutrients. Therefore, to maintain normal plant growth, lime and fertilizer must be applied in sufficient quality to meet the crop requirement. A SOIL TEST is the best means available to determine this requirement.

**Effective January 1, 2009 testing prices will be as follows for Bartow County residents.

Routine Soil Test.................................$9.00 per sample (includes postage):
Includes pH, Lime Requirement, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, and Manganese. At least a pint of soil is needed per soil sample to be tested. The lab cannot process samples that are less than a pint. Be sure to pull the soil sample from several spots at random to get a good representative sample. You may bring samples in a pint size plastic freezer bag (filled full) if you don't have a soil sample bag. Please follow the procedures for collecting soil samples below.

Water Testing1

All well water samples should be collected from the first draw of water out of the kitchen faucet or from the faucet used most often for drinking. A first draw water sample is collected (after a minimum of 6 hours, but not more than a 12 hour period) during which time there was no water usage from that faucet prior to sampling. Either early morning or evening upon returning from home are the best sampling times to ensure a good sample. Place a clean sample container below the faucet and gently open the cold water tap to fill sample bottles. At least a 1 pint (500 mL) is needed for most samples. Water Sampling Instructions

Expanded Water Test..........................$65.00 per sample (includes postage):
Designed to address common well water problems in Georgia such as corrosion, high levels of iron and manganese, and nitrate from various sources. This test package should be done at least once on wells before using a less inclusive test. The Expanded Water Test is required for installation and design of home water treatment systems. This test includes the Basic Water Test (see below), Anions, Soluble Salts, and Alkalinity tests.

Water Lead Test Only...........................$45.00 per sample (includes postage):
Lead testing is recommended for homes and/or wells built prior to 1985. Pipes could contain lead solder which could leach into your drinking water.

Water Arsenic Test Only.......................$45.00 per sample (includes postage):
Arsenic testing is recommended for wells located on old farm sites where pesticides may have been used for cotton production or fruit orchards between 1920-1940.

Lead and Arsenic Test Combined--If you would like to have your water tested for both Lead and Arsenic at the same time, the fee is only $55 for a combined sample.

Bacteria Test........................................$46.00 per sample (includes postage):
The most common microbiology test checks for the presence of E. coli and total coliform bacteria. This test requires a special test kit with sample instructions available at the Extension office. This test is recommended annually on home wells. Bacteria testing is also available to local residents through the City of Cartersville Water Lab. Call 770-387-5681 for more information. Visit website for more information about disinfecting your well water through shock chlorination.

What is Extension?
UGA Cooperative Extension is a collaboration between Georgia county governments, the USDA, and
the University of Georgia's colleges of
Agricultural & Environmental Sciences and
Family & Consumer Sciences.
The mission of UGA Cooperative Extension is to extend lifelong learning to the
people of Georgia through unbiased, research-based education in agriculture,
the environment, communities, youth and families.